Small Business: Which Skills Matter Most To High-tech Employers?

Small Business

Q As a first-year teacher, I'm aware of legislators' emphasis on preparing students for work and development technology infrastructure. Is there a consensus on what firms need?

A Small business owners' needs are straightforward: They need people capable of performing in a high-tech environment. They generally advise school systems to provide basic skills and then complement them with certain competencies that allow employees to help firms be competitive:

BASIC SKILLS:

* Three "R's" plus two: Reading, writing and arithmetic remain essential. The marketplace does not reward deficiencies here; in fact, it also now demands basic speaking and listening skills.

* Thinking skills: A strong back and/or mechanical aptitude served many of our parents well.

The new environment requires requires an ability to learn and cope with constant change. Workers must think creatively - for themselves and with others.

* Attitude: A good one means a person accepts responsibility and works well with others.

Schools alone cannot provide these skills, but self-esteem comes in part from hours spent in school.

COMPETENCIES:

* Resources/information: Employees are expected to know how to allocate money, time, materials and space.

If they aspire to management, staffing is also important.

* Systems/technology: Successful small businesses exist because of an entrepreneurial spirit, but they function using financial, marketing and customer-service systems. Employees must operate these and develop new ones from time to time.

* Interpersonal skills: Working with others and serving customers are critical. And the skills must be applied in a diverse marketplace.

* Holloran is a consultant to the Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center. He's also vice president for stategic planning at the Atlantic Group, a contractor to the electric-utility industry. Write to him c/o The Daily Press, P.O. Box 746, Newport News, Va. 23607.